Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades

This couple wanted a beach wedding (sans sand)—and the result was a sophisticated celebration with equal parts classic and "grande" details.

By

Heather Bien

Published on August 10, 2022

grooms embrace in their black tuxes — Photo: Rebecca Theresa Photography

In February 2013, Ryan Orear, a real estate agent, and Andrew Vinas, a senior SEO analyst, found love in an unexpected (in their eyes) place—a dating app. Their engagement, which came years later, was equally surprising: Ryan popped the question during what Andrew thought was going to be a birthday celebration in Miami; after, Andrew gave a surprised and enthusiastic, "Yes!"

The two jumped into planning their September 2020 wedding in Pacific Palisades, California. They loved the aesthetic of a beachfront wedding, but didn't love the idea of sand between their toes. Instead, they opted for a formal white, black, and gold event with an upscale, timeless, Ariana Grande-inspired feel.

The Bel Air Bay Club was the perfect location—twice. When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened their original celebration, the couple was extraordinarily fortunate to be able to push their date back exactly one year with all their vendors in tow.

Thanks to the team at Bel Air Bay Club and their, planner Susan Dunne of Weddings by Susan Dunne, Ryan and Andrew were married on September 11, 2021, surrounded by 100 of their loved ones. Dunne brought their vision to life with an impressive attention to both classic and cheeky details, and the big day was full of guests eager to get dolled up after a year and a half of quarantine.

wedding invitation suite with white invitations and black envelops — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Sweet Suite

Paper Cliché created the couple's chic invitations, which worked in their black, white, and gold color palette.

wedding invitation with white roses — Rebecca Theresa Photography

New Date, Same Wedding

Save-the-dates—and then "change-the-dates"—made for an extensive invitation suite, but Ryan and Andrew had fun with it. Throughout the course of rescheduling, they kept everything perfectly consistent with their original design theme, and the couple used fun copy, telling guests, "We Told You It Would Be Worth The Wait," "Back by Popular Demand," and "New Date, Same Wedding" on their updated set.

grooms walking around venue hand in hand wearing black tuxes and bowties — Rebecca Theresa Photography

An Iconic Wedding-Day Look

The duo opted for the same wedding-day look: a black-tie tuxedo from Suit Supply with a silk-covered peak lapel, a single silk-covered button, silk-lined jetted pockets, a white dress shirt, and a silk bow tie. They also wore shiny black shoes from Christian Louboutin.

groom putting on gold watch — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Watch This

Andrew and Ryan finished their looks off with iconic accessories from Cartier, Tiffany, and Rolex.

groom with bridal party wearing matching black suits — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Suited for the Celebration

Both the men and women in the couple's wedding party donned black suits; the men chose ensembles from Suit Supply and women stepped out in Brooks Brothers. The ladies also received black Christian Louboutin stilettos as their wedding party gift.

grooms first look — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Three Years in the Making

After three years of planning and replanning, the couple felt nervous and excited ahead of their first look. Ryan and Andrew came together on a patio overlooking the ocean at the Bel-Air Bay Club and soaked in the significance of the moment.

wedding ceremony setup with florals along the aisle and view of the ocean — Rebecca Theresa Photography

"I Do" with a View

Ryan and Andrew wanted breathtaking scenery on their big day, and as soon as they saw Bel Air Bay Club, they knew it was the right venue. With unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning event spaces—along with a convenient location to Los Angeles—it was a winning choice.

all white floral wedding arch for the ceremony — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Lush White Florals

Penelope Pots created gorgeous white florals up and down the aisle, with a floral-covered arch accenting the spot where the couple exchanged their vows.

outdoor ceremony seating with programs and fans — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Sitting in Style

Custom-printed paper fans rested on clear acrylic chairs as guests made their way to the outdoor lawn for the wedding ceremony. As loved ones took their seats, a pianist played an array of Ariana Grande songs.

Ryan and Andrew both cite the ceremony's music as one of their big-day highlights. As the service unfolded, their pianist continued to serenade the crowd with a myriad of Ariana's songs, like "7 Rings," for the wedding party's entrance and "Into You" for the grooms' debut.

exchanging vows during ceremony — Rebecca Theresa Photography

A Special Ceremony

After eight years together and three years of wedding planning, each moment of the duo's wedding day was meaningful—but the ceremony took the cake. Ryan was accompanied down the aisle by his mom, Julie; Andrew processed in with his grandmother, Idelita. During the service, they read their own vows, including sentimental references to their first date, dogs, vacations, and life's most special memories.

matching yellow gold diamond wedding bands — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Bands of Gold

The couple's matching gold bands, which they slipped onto each other's ring finger during their vow exchange, featured diamond accents at the center.

grooms kiss at the altar under floral archway — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Wedding Bells

After sharing their first kiss as spouses, the newlyweds recessed back up the aisle to "One Last Time" by—who else?—Ariana Grande.

reception specialty cocktail sign and drinks — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Simple, Signature Sips

Each groom chose a signature drink, which was served during the cocktail hour: Ryan opted for a Jack and coke, while Andrew selected a vodka soda. They knew there would be nothing better or more reliable than a simple sip (plus, it was a fun juxtaposition against the upscale aesthetic of the rest of the event).

dinner reception seating with long tables with white chairs and tablecloths — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Sophisticated Seating

The grooms and their wedding planner maximized drama and sophistication in the reception space. As guests found their seats for dinner, they were surrounded by towering floral centerpieces which were positioned atop white velvet linens.

long reception table with tall floral displays — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Velvet and Florals

The long, rectangular tables were surrounded by white-and-gold chairs, which added to the opulence of the party.

table setting with black napkin and black rimmed charger — Rebecca Theresa Photography

"I Want It, I Got It"

Keeping with the Ariana Grande theme, each table was named with a reference to the pop star's music in mind. The table settings also featured acrylic chargers, white china, and white and gold flatware; menus featured one of the artist's most recognizable lyrics: "I want it, I got it."

grooms kiss at reception sweetheart table — Rebecca Theresa Photography

The Happy Couple

The grooms, who changed into white tuxedo jackets for the reception, sat at an acrylic head table along with the rest of their wedding party for dinner. All eyes were on the couple's station, which was covered in lush flowers both on and below the tabletop.

reception dancers posing with umbrellas and fireworks — Rebecca Theresa Photography

A Performance to Remember

Ryan and Andrew shared a heartfelt first dance to "Stickwitu" by The Pussycat Dolls, but the show may have been stolen by a surprise musical dance number performed by Karmagraphy, a Los Angeles-based company, that included Ariana Grande-inspired costumes, hair, and makeup. The entertainment featured five solid minutes of the grooms' favorite songs and included showstopping delights, including sparklers.

wedding favors including matches and candles — Rebecca Theresa Photography

Grande Love

Ryan and Andrew's wedding favors were yet another nod to their favorite musical artist: The newlyweds gave guests travel candles with a fitting Ariana song title—"The Light is Coming"—emblazoned on top.